Al Ahly draw with ES Tunis in CAF Champions League group stage opener

The Red Devils kicked off their CAF Champions League group stage campaign with a goalless draw against Espérance Sportive de Tunis at home.

Al Ahly were looking to get a positive result against the Tunisian side after their recent disappointing results on the domestic level, as they lost to Zamalek in the Egyptian Premier League before exiting the Egypt Cup at the hands of Assiouty Sport.

The hosts started the game at Borg El-Arab Stadium looking sharp as Walid Soliman sent a sensational pass to Phakamani Mahlambi, but the South African’s shot went well over the goal. Fifteen minutes later, Mido Gaber set up Marwan Mohsen who also missed the target.

Around the half hour mark, Amr El-Sulaya was subbed off through injury and was replaced by Mohamed Hany, which meant that Ahmed Fathi moved to the midfield position and Hany played as a right-back.

Few minutes before half time, the guests created their first real chance but keeper Mohamed El-Shennawy forced a good save as the first half ended goalless.

In the opening five minutes of the second half, Phakamani squandered another chance after a good cross from substitute Hany. Minutes later, Esperance forward Taha Yassine Khenissi almost opened the scoring but his header went just wide.

In the 64th minute, the referee ruled out Marwan Mohsen’s goal off Sabry Rahil’s cross for offside. The video replay showed the 29-year-old was onside. Two minutes later Al Ahly made their second substitution bringing on Islam Mohareb for Phakamani.

Just four minutes before full time, Salah Mohsen came on to replace Soliman who put in a good performance but Mohsen couldn’t help Al Ahly get a late winner as the teams shared the spoils.

The other group game saw Township Rollers win 1-0 against Kampala Capital City Authority FC (KCCA) to top Group A. Al Ahly’s next match will be against KCCA in Uganda on 15 May before playing their last league game against Al Masry.